On a high after their rout and turning of the Druaidíi they had been on the march eagerly now for some hours straight, with nightfall arriving it was decided to make camp. The scouts sent gingerly ahead had reported a clear path and managed as a whole to return unscathed to them. By their word they would arrive at Dún na Rí by tomorrow’s sun, and from their description it was something that Brandubh was now even more keen to see for himself. Sat in the General’s more modestly assembled travel pavilion he allowed himself a welcome relax on the still plush furniture. He gladly accepted the offer of wine from Maximo’s server and took a satisfying swallow of the fine Eirbor wine.
“We recovered well. Though we should not have allowed them such a prominent beginning to their assault. ”
Maximo sat down orderly by the table set in front of him, “On that we can agree.” He began to tear at a loaf of bread brought up from the main camp. “They are not like any people I have ever known these Druaidíi, to have moved as such when we had just discovered a path to their fortress, all advice would have been to remain steadfast behind their walls, to conserve whatever they have left. They evidently did not agree. We were careless, it is true but it will not happen again, we will make sure of that.”
He paused chewing his food methodically, his eyes distant, “Yet despite the losses we suffered it was a successful day’s work by all accounts. We met the Druaidíi finally in battle, faced down their magic and infamous claíomhs and came out on top. They won’t be able to stand against the strategies and discipline of the Milesian Empire.”
Brandubh smiled sweetly, “It does indeed seem like a significant victory in this story of ours. And most assuredly having the men see for themselves the Druaidíi being beat back is a mighty boost for morale. However, as you said General our losses were rather considerate, I must admit that it concerns me some to see us lose so many. Many will yet be needed to ensure we have control in Aileann once this business is done with.”
“Do not confuse me or my intentions for hopeless optimism Brandubh. I know as well as you our numbers. But victory is so much more than who leaves the battlefield with less losses. It is a feeling, a momentum, a taste, and our men have it. Who signalled the retreat? Who was left scrambling away in despair? Not us, it was our voices I heard at the end, not theirs. The men know the skill of the Druaidíi yes, they know the power they possess, yes. But they also now know they bleed, they suffer, and they can be killed.They also know that we can meet them in battle together as a unit and emerge victorious. That is worth something far more than a few men. You may call me reckless, cold, arrogant even, but I know what war is. Don’t try to tell me otherwise.”
Brandubh stretched casually, “General I am but a humble servant of Milesia, it was merely an observation on my part, clearly not something you have overlooked.”
Maximo gave him a withering look, “You are right on some matters however. The Druaidíi must be dealt with, and quick, for there are far more pressing issues facing the Empire that will need to be addressed. We could play a long game and watch as the Druaidíi fall to time and siege but time is something Milesia does not like to allow slip. Life is now. The world is now and Milesia is now. Not later.”
Brandubh examined Maximo closely, “You know I must say it has and continues to amaze me.”
The General looked up nonchalantly, “What does?”
Brandubh laughed. “All that Empire rhetoric you Milesians so love to proclaim.”
“Rhetoric? What of it? Is it so strange to you that we express our pride and esteem towards our home so readily?”
Brandubh regarded him with a cool stare, he decided to press a little, his curiosity pricked. “Well that is just it, Our home. The Milesian empire now stretches from Aileann to Irada. Does it all feel like home then? You yourself were not born to the city I am led to believe? Milesia is over 1700 miles away General, from one part of the Empire to the next it is worlds apart, culturally, religiously, academically, all different from one region to the next. In all of your days you’ve spent but 5 years in Milesia and yet you refer to it as if it were a warm hearth waiting for you after a cold, wet and windy night.” He poured himself a fresh cup and pondered a moment.
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“We are allies now, both citizens of Milesia so tell me true, such talk, is it necessary? It is something I have long wondered. Must you refer to the Empire in everything you do, only acknowledging its glory and triumphs never mentioning its faults or digressions? Even our harshest critics could not accuse the men of Aileann of being anything other than patriotic or passionate about their land yet none hold issue discussing its problems or failings. What then makes the Empire so different?”
General Maximo smiled thoughtfully and a laugh escaped his lips.
“You have done your research on me I see. I feel most honoured. Rest assure I have done mine on you also.”
Brandubh raised his cup in acknowledgment, “I should hope so. Though I fear there is not so much to know.”
“More than you may realise.” Maximo glanced sideways at Brandubh. “As to your question, that is one I myself have long considered for a great many years now.” He stopped and stared intensely at the cup in front of him.
“Do you know Brandubh my great grandfather was killed and his entire village wiped out by Milesian invaders. Yet here I stand now, his descendant in the midst of a warzone, ready and willing to give my life and the lives of my men to fulfil and achieve goals and aims given to me by that very same Emperor who sits on the throne of the man who ordered my ancestors death. Why?”
Why Indeed.
Maximo paused lost in his thoughts. “The Empire is not a person, not even an Emperor, it is not a place, not even Milesia. It is an idea. A symbol, something which all can fight for. No matter your birth or stations one can rise and improve one’s position in society with hard work, dedication, success and yes, luck, that too. All those within the Empire benefit both in trade, competitive markets, security and economy, you here in Aileann have seen as much. Whether people acknowledge it or not being a part of the Empire is a positive.”
He stared at Brandubh intently, “To which you will say why? Why then do people, even from a downtrodden, struggling community fight back against their potential saviours? Why indeed did it take you people of Aileann a terrible war and years of negotiating before you ceded to the Empire’s will? Freedom that’s what. Or at least what people perceive freedom as. Somehow, someway for those grappling with poverty, scrapping to protect and provide for their family it is better to suffer those conditions in their own hands than to become prosperous and productive under the rule of another. This I cannot comprehend. What then is freedom to these people if not suffering. Even if they do not see it I know they would prefer to have someone to truly control and watch over them and guide them to a better life. The Empire can do that. That is why I value it so, that is why I follow its ideals and that is why I am here now fighting to tear down its enemies.”
Brandubh peered at Maximo from the top of his mug, “Well General if I did not no better I would take you for a philosopher. I must confess that I am not so predisposed as you as of yet. However with time it may be that I will come to share in your views. Perhaps I too will be amongst the greatest advocates for the Empire and all its merits and rewards.”
Maximo's look was scrutinising, “You are rather open Brandubh on your views hmmmm? Surely a man with your experience would be more inclined to caution and care when speaking on such matter no?”
“General come now what are open thoughts between friends?”
Maximo’s expression changed to amused scepticism, a man of strong principles that was clear, Brandubh smiled, ‘Is it not so that one can be a good servant to one’s master without having love for said master? I know what Milesia is and what it brings, that is why I am here General, Whether I shout it from the treetops or not I recognise what it brings.”
“So long as you do not forget that. No matter how strong or powerful the servant becomes the master is master and for good reason. As a friend I warn you once more Brandubh. Do not forget who put you in such a position. For Milesia will not.”
Brandubh raised his mug in toast. “To Milesia.”
“To Milesia.”
Branudbh glanced down on the camp stretching out far down the Druaidíi road. He drank deeply once more and raised a silent toast, this time he did not share with the General. And to the Servants, those which rule from below.